Music Forecast 12.3-12.9: the Delta Saints, Heart, Jim Lauderdale, Nikki Lane, Jason Isbell, Rayland Baxter and more

%{[ data-embed-type=”image” data-embed-id=”” data-embed-element=”aside” ]}%

%{[ data-embed-type=”image” data-embed-id=”” data-embed-element=”aside” ]}%

Jason Isbell

In February, Alabama singer-songwriter (and former member of Drive-By Truckers) Jason Isbell wowed a packed and warm audience at the Uptown. Wednesday, Isbell makes a return visit to the same venue — and into our waiting arms. Isbell’s newest tour is in support of July’s Something More Than Free, the long-awaited follow-up to his acclaimed 2013 album, Southeastern. Something More is light in all the places that Southeastern isn’t, showcasing Isbell’s sunnier disposition — while his songwriting chops remain as sharp as ever. Nashville country singer-songwriter Rayland Baxter opens.

Wednesday, December 9, Uptown Theater (3700 Broadway, 816-753-8665)

The Delta Saints
Nashville’s Delta Saints proves its staying power on its second album, Bones, which gives listeners plenty to chew on. From crunchy blues riffs to long-lasting psychedelic jams, the soundscape that the band creates is so lush and textured that it’s easy to get lost in simply enjoying one Americana tune after another. And the music is far from forgettable. Lawrence’s the Roseline opens with a different kind of Americana — softer and more confessional — that’s equally worthy of attention. (The band’s June-released Townie is one of the most well-crafted local albums of 2015.)

Thursday, December 3, the Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-841-5483)

Heart
Heart is the ultimate sister act. Ann and Nancy Wilson have been running their rock ship since the ’70s, and they have a handful of ageless hits to show for it. Admit it: Few things are better balms for a broken heart than blasting “Alone” and belting the chorus into a hairbrush (with a glass of wine affixed to your other hand, of course). The Wilson sisters have a particular soft spot for Led Zeppelin covers — for which Ann Wilson’s voice is amazingly suited. Friday at the Midland, prepare to reel in the years.

Friday, December 4, the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)

Jim Lauderdale
More than 30 years — and more than 20 studio albums — into his career, Grammy Award-winning Nashville artist Jim Lauderdale shows no signs of slowing down. If you’re not familiar with his work, perhaps you’ll recognize some of the folks for whom he has written songs: the Dixie Chicks, George Strait, Vince Gill and Patty Loveless. Lauderdale is a legend in his own right, even if he’s more of an industry man’s man. All the more reason for you to carve out time to catch him Saturday at Knuckleheads. Local folk duo Ruddy Swain — composed of the Grisly Hand’s Lauren Krum and Dead Voices’ David Regnier — opens.

Saturday, December 5, Knuckleheads Saloon (2517 Rochester, 816-483-1456)

Nikki Lane

Nikki Lane wants to bring outlaw country back. In fact, with her latest full-length, All or Nothin’, she makes a strong argument that it never went away. The western swing of the saucy “Sleep With a Stranger” would make Hank Williams proud, and Dolly Parton would certainly endorse the reasonable demands that Lane makes on “Good Man.” The Nashville artist was last in KC a year ago, when she opened for Loretta Lynn at the Uptown Theater. If you saw her then, you’ll know that she’s well worth a weeknight at the Granada.

Tuesday, December 8, the Granada (1020 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-842-1390)